European countries back Scotland in EU - poll

A new poll has highlighted strong support for Scotland's place in Europe from citizens across the continent.

Jean-Claude Juncker and Nicola Sturgeon. The First Minister has been holding talks with EU leaders to determine if Scotland has a future in the EU post-Brexit.

The formal question from a poll commisioned by YouGov Euro Track was: “Would you endorse or reject Scotland joining the EU if it became separate from Great Britain?”

The results found 71 per cent of people in Germany, 61 per cent of people in France and 67 per cent of people in Denmark were in favour of an independent Scotland staying in the European Union.

There was also majority support for an independent Scotland in Europe in Finland and Sweden.

In the UK, backing for an independent Scotland in the EU was 41 per cent compared to 29 per cent against.

A follow-up question revealed 72 per cent of Germans, 68 percent of French and three out of four Britons (75 percent) believe it is “somewhat” or “very likely” that the Scots would vote for independence in a second referendum.

Researchers interviewed 8,404 people in six EU countries and Norway – including 2,045 in Germany and 1,008 in France – with a majority of people in each country surveyed found to be for an independent Scotland’s becoming a member of the EU.

Scotland voted in favour of the UK staying in the EU by 62 per cent to 38 per cent - with all 32 council areas backing Remain - in the nationwide referendum on June 23.

However, the UK as a whole has voted to Leave which has raised the prospect of Scotland being taken out of the EU against its will.

Commenting, SNP MSP Joan McAlpine – who is Convener of the Scottish Parliament’s European and External Relations Committee – said:

“These are very encouraging figures showing that people across the continent value Scotland’s role in Europe – and from France and Germany to Finland and Sweden, it’s clear that there is strong support right across Europe for Scotland’s EU membership.

“The First Minister has said that Scotland wants to play a positive, constructive, outward-looking role in Europe – and it’s clear that this message is being heard by citizens across the EU.

“Scotland voted overwhelmingly to continue our place in Europe – and this evidence shows that people right across the continent agree that our voice must be heard and our vote must be respected.

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